Living in Del Sur feels like a mountain biker’s dream come true. Just down the street from my home, a trailhead beckons, leading into a sprawling network that weaves through San Diego County. These paths offer a journey to diverse destinations – from the sandy shores of Del Mar reachable within an hour, to the challenging descent to Lake Hodges and the strenuous climb back, or the exhilarating descent through the technical trails of Black Widow on Black Mountain. Del Sur itself boasts an array of local trails crafted by Jim Bradford, with names like Jumpline, Megatron, Grenade, and Livewire, each offering its unique thrill.
What truly makes Del Sur special is the sense of community among local riders. We gather, irrespective of our backgrounds or professions, united by our shared passion for biking. On these trails, we find not just exercise or sport, but a sense of belonging. Out here, the rest of the world, with its relentless pace and noise, fades away.
Dropping into Lusardi Canyon is like entering another realm. The rush of speeding down a fire road at 30 miles an hour, the surrounding wilderness enveloping you, creates a transformative experience. The familiar buzz of the city gives way to the serene sounds of nature, interrupted only by the occasional hiker's greeting or the whir of fellow bikers.
In this alternate universe of rugged beauty, every trail leads you deeper into an adventure. After more than four years of exploring these trails, I continue to discover new paths, encounter new riders, and find fresh challenges. It’s a privilege to have such an extraordinary escape so close to home, a testament to the magic of Del Sur as a mountain biking paradise.
